IHS: Chinese c-Si solar PV prices rising in the EU

24 April 2013

IHS (Englewood, Colorado, US) reports that the average selling price for Chinese crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in the European Union increased 4% in March 2013, the first increase since January 2009. 

IHS' “iSuppli PV Module Price Tracker” predicts that prices will increase another 1% in April 2013 and an average of 4% over the next three months. The company states that pending tariffs are a factor in the price increases.

“For years, solar module manufacturers have contended with profit-killing market conditions characterized by oversupply and rapidly falling prices,” said IHS Senior Analyst Glenn Gu. “Now, with clear signs that the balance between supply and demand is correcting, prices have stopped their decline and have begun to rise.”

“This is mostly good news, because sales are increasing from Asia, causing worldwide demand to catch up with supply. On the other hand, prices also are rising because of anti-dumping legislation in the European Union, which is negatively impacting sales for Chinese suppliers.”

Reduced shipments lead to price increase

IHS describes a module shortage in the EU, caused by both increasing demand in Asia and Chinese PV suppliers cutting back shipments or withdrawing from the European market ahead of the June 2013 anti-dumping decision.

The company also states that Japan's high PV module prices are driving up prices globally.

IHS expects average Chinese PV module prices to reach EUR 0.53 (USD 0.691) per watt by the end of May 2013, a 5-6% increase over March 2013 prices. The company says prices have increased for all tiers of Chinese PV module makers.

Similar findings by pvXchange

The company's findings are similar to those published by pvXchange GmbH (Cologne, Germany), which reports that prices for c-Si PV modules made in China increased 3.8% in March 2013, to reach EUR 0.55 (USD 0.72) per watt.